POLITICAL SCIENCE, B.S.

Welcome to our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Political Science program, designed for students passionate about understanding and engaging with political systems, governance, and public policy. Our program uniquely combines traditional political science studies with a strong emphasis on analysis, data-driven decision-making, and empirical research methods. We aim to equip students with a comprehensive skill set, making them adaptable to various career paths, including roles in government, politics, law, international relations, policy analysis, political consulting, and public administration. The program's distinctive approach fulfills the contemporary demands of political science as a discipline, setting graduates apart in a competitive job market, tackling complex societal issues with innovative solutions, and encouraging active participation in the political process.

Program Highlights:

Robust Curriculum: Our undergraduate curriculum requires 45 semester credit hours, thoughtfully crafted to offer a comprehensive foundation in political science while allowing for specialization. It includes core courses that cover essential aspects of political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and political analysis, alongside elective courses that let you tailor your studies to your specific interests and career goals.

Students pursuing a BS in Political Science are required to take 45 credit hours in their major, allocated in the following ways: 

Required Political Science Core Courses: 

21 credit hours are required of every student in the B.S. program.

PSC 104: American Government

PSC 105: Fundamentals of Politics

PSC 201: Politics, Media, and Culture

PSC 202: State and Local Government

PSC 302 Models of Public Policy

PSC 312: Research in Political Science

PSC 499: Capstone

Required Political Science Subfield Emphasis: 

15 credit hour Subfield Emphases is required of every student in the B.S. program.

Subfield Emphases: We offer specialization emphases within the B.S. in Political Science program, each designed to focus on particular interests and career pathways. Students will choose one of the following subfield emphases:

- American National, State, and Local Politics: Delve into the intricate workings of political systems across the United States, from federal to local levels. This focus area offers a deep understanding of the American political landscape, electoral systems, and policy-making processes. Prepare for careers in government, political advocacy, or public service, with insights that span the broad spectrum of American governance.

- Constitutional Democracy (Pre-Law): Focus on the principles of constitutional law and democratic governance, examining the structure, functions, and limitations of government as defined by the Constitution. This pathway prepares students for law school and careers in legal practice, public policy, or civil service, providing a robust foundation in the legal frameworks that guide and constrain political and governmental action.

- International Relations and Comparative Politics: Explore the complexities of international affairs, diplomacy, and global systems, preparing for careers in foreign service, international organizations, or global NGOs.

- Political Theory: Engage with the fundamental ideas and philosophical underpinnings that have shaped political thought from ancient times to the present. This specialization explores key theories of governance, justice, rights, and democracy, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Ideal for those aiming for academia, law, or policy-making, it equips students with a profound understanding of the concepts that underlie political systems and societal norms.

- Public Administration and Policy Analysis: Explore policy-making, public administration, governance, and the art of political analysis through quantitative methods and data science, positioning yourself for roles in research institutions, political consulting firms, or campaign analytics.

Political Science Elective Credit Hours: 

9 credit hours of elective courses from any of the remaining Subfield Emphases are required of every student in the B.S. program.

Accelerated Path to Advanced Degrees:

For ambitious students aiming to further their education, we offer an accelerated path to a graduate degree in public administration, enabling you to pursue a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) in fewer years.

Course List

Code	Title	Credit Hours
Core Curriculum
Core 1: Critical Thinking
FYS 100	First Yr Sem Critical Thinking	3
PSC 104	American Government (CT)	3
PSC 105	Fundamentals of Politics (CT)	3
Core 2
ENG 101	Beginning Composition	3
ENG 201	Advanced Composition	3
CMM 103	Fund Speech-Communication	3
STA 150	Foundations of Statistics	3
STA 150L	Foundations of Statistics Lab	1
Core II Physical and Natural Science		4
Core II Humanities		3
PSC 201	Politics, Media, and Culture
Core II Fine Arts		3
Additional University Requirements
Writing Intensive		3
Writing Intensive		3
Multicultural or International		3
PSC 499	Capstone Experience	3
College-Specific
COLA Literature		3
COLA Literature		3
COLA Humanities		3
PSC 105	Fundamentals of Politics (CT) (COLA Social Science)	3
COLA Social Science (Not PSC)		3
COLA Social Science (Not PSC)		3
COLA Physical and Natural Science		4
PSC COLA International		3
COLA Multicultural
Major-Specific
PSC 104	American Government (CT)	3
PSC 105	Fundamentals of Politics (CT)	3
PSC 201	Politics, Media, and Culture	3
PSC 202	State and Local Government	3
PSC 302	Models of Public Policy	3
PSC 312	Research in Political Science	3
PSC 499	Capstone Experience	3
Required 15 credit hour emphasis. Each Emphasis is designed to focus on particular interests and career pathways.		15
American Politics Emphasis
Delve into the intricate workings of political systems across the United States, from federal to local levels. This focus area offers a deep understanding of the American political landscape, electoral systems, and policy-making processes. Prepare for careers in government, political advocacy, or public service, with insights that span the broad spectrum of American governance.
Constitutional Democracy Emphasis
(Pre-Law): Focus on the principles of constitutional law and democratic governance, examining the structure, functions, and limitations of government as defined by the Constitution. This pathway prepares students for law school and careers in legal practice, public policy, or civil service, providing a robust foundation in the legal frameworks that guide and constrain political and governmental action.
International Relations and Comparative Politics Emphasis
Explore the complexities of international affairs, diplomacy, and global systems, preparing for careers in foreign service, international organizations, or global NGOs.
Political Theory Emphasis
Engage with the fundamental ideas and philosophical underpinnings that have shaped political thought from ancient times to the present. This specialization explores key theories of governance, justice, rights, and democracy, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. Ideal for those aiming for academia, law, or policy-making, it equips students with a profound understanding of the concepts that underlie political systems and societal norms.
Public Administration and Policy Emphasis
Explore policy-making, public administration, governance, and the art of political analysis through quantitative methods and data science, positioning yourself for roles in research institutions, political consulting firms, or campaign analytics.
Political Science electives		9
Free Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Free Elective		3
Free Elective		3